Looking to gear up for your next outdoor adventure but want more brands like REI? I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best online stores similar to REI where you can find quality camping, hiking, fishing and climbing gear.
REI is one of the most popular retailers for people who love the outdoors. But sometimes it pays to shop around and see what other brands have to offer.
Each of these REI alternative stores has their own specialties and strengths. Some offer steep discounts on big name brands like The North Face and Patagonia. Others provide specialty equipment focused on fishing, hunting or climbing.
I’ll give you a rundown of what makes each outdoor store unique as well as their key benefits. Whether you need a new tent for car camping or a lightweight down jacket for backpacking trips, you’ll discover new go-to retailers for all your adventure gear.
Let’s jump in and start exploring the top REI competitors for scoring deals on premium outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment!
13 Online Stores Similar To REI For Outdoor Gear
1. Backcountry
Backcountry is all about the outdoor experience, stocking the top brands for skiing, biking, climbing, hiking and more. Founded in 1996, they aim to fuel outdoor passions.
With over 50,000 products, they carry everything from tents and backpacks to ski gear and yoga mats. Backcountry has an extensive range of apparel and footwear too.
Their website makes it easy to shop by sport or activity. Narrow by brand, item type, gender and more. Filter by price, color and size. Read reviews to make informed decisions.
They have fast free shipping and returns. They frequently run 15% off coupons too. Their Gearhead team offers advice to help you buy the right items.
Key Benefits:
- Huge range of outdoor gear and apparel
- Top brands like The North Face and Patagonia
- Easy to filter and browse
- Gearhead experts offer advice
- Frequent discounts and coupons
It is ideal for climbers, skiers, hikers and cyclists seeking quality gear from leading brands.
2. Sportsman’s Guide
Fishing, hunting, camping and shooting is what Sportsman’s Guide specialises in. The online retailer stocks over 200,000 products catering to sportsmen and women.
Expect to find firearms, ammo, optics plus all the accessories you need. For camping, they have tents, sleeping bags, packs, stoves and lights. Fishing gear, apparel, kayaks and paddle boards are also available.
Brands carried include Coleman, Remington, Bushnell and Penn. Sportsman’s Guide has surplus military items along with new products. Their Buyer’s Club gives access to special deals.
Based in Minnesota, they’ve been serving outdoor enthusiasts since 1970. Every order is backed by their 100% satisfaction guarantee which make them one of the top REI competitors.
Why Choose Sportsman’s Guide?
- Massive range of hunting, fishing and camping gear
- Surplus military stock and new items
- Low prices with regular sales and clearance
- Buyer’s Club gives extra discounts
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Sportsman’s Guide is a top choice for hunters and anglers seeking specialty outdoor equipment and apparel at discounted prices.
3. Cabela’s
Cabela’s is an American outdoor gear store founded in 1961. They operate over 100 locations across North America as well as a comprehensive online store with a huge selection of outdoor gear and apparel.
They offer free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more. Cabela’s has an impressive return policy, with returns accepted for any reason up to 1 year after purchase. They frequently have online-only sales and special buys on selected items. Their target audience is everyone from novice outdoorsmen to seasoned experts.
Some of Cabela’s most shopped departments include camping, boating, hunting, shooting, fishing and footwear. Top products include their private label clothes, footwear, camping equipment, hunting essentials and fishing gear.
Why Using Them?
- Extensive range for all outdoor sports
- Top brands like Shimano and Columbia
- Huge retail stores with expert staff
- Cabela’s club offers special discounts
- Trusted outdoor specialist since 1961
They are among the leading brands similar to REI for every outdoor pursuit, with quality gear and exceptional in-store experiences.
4. Sierra Trading Post
Sierra Trading Post promises “Deals as Big as the Outdoors” on quality brands. They are part of the discount companies like REI that offers savings of 35-70% off retail prices.
Standard shipping is $5.95 for orders under $99 and free for orders over $99. Returns are accepted within 1 year of purchase date. Sierra Trading Post has daily deals and features new markdowns every morning. Their target market is bargain hunters wanting discounted name brand outdoor items.
Popular categories are hiking & camping, yoga, footwear, skiing, climbing and fishing. Some bestselling products are discounted footwear, outerwear, camping equipment and brand name luggage.
Key Benefits:
- Huge discounts on big outdoor brands
- Apparel, footwear and equipment on sale
- International shipping available
- Special deals through email coupons
- Trusted outdoor discounter since 1986
5. Moosejaw
Founded in 1992, Moosejaw specializes in outdoor apparel, gear and equipment. They stock 300+ top brands for climbing, hiking, camping and snow sports.
They offers free standard shipping on all orders. They have a no hassle return policy within 30 days of purchase. Sales are frequent and include new deals every day. Their target customers are fun-loving outdoor enthusiasts and weekend warriors.
Moosejaw has an online Rewards Program where you earn points to redeem on purchases. Sales, close-out deals and coupon codes offer regular discounts too.
Their website provides expert articles, guides and advice to help you choose the right gear. Customer service includes free custom embroidery.
Why Shop at Moosejaw?
- Extensive range of outdoor apparel and gear
- Rewards program earns discounts
- Regular sales, close-outs and promo codes
- Expert outdoor advice and articles
6. Bass Pro Shops
Fishing, boating, hunting, camping and outdoor apparel is what Bass Pro Shops specialises in. The retail giant stocks over 200,000 products to equip outdoor lovers.
Bass Pro offers free standard shipping on most orders over $50. They have a 60 day return window for refunds or exchanges. The website frequently features sales and special deals across all departments. Their target audience ranges from beginner to expert outdoor sportsmen.
Bass Pro Shops caters to every outdoor pursuit. Sign up for their club to receive discounts and rewards. Free shipping is offered online.
Why Choose Bass Pro Shops?
- One-stop for all outdoor activities
- Massive product range in stores
- Leading brands like Shimano and Coleman
- Rewards program offers discounts
- Outdoor expertise since 1972
7. Columbia Sportswear
Columbia Sportswear specializes in outdoor apparel, footwear, gear and accessories. They are best known for their innovation in outerwear and boots. Expect to find waterproof jackets, fleece, interchange layers, hiking shoes, boots and trail running sneakers.
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear brings extensive outdoor expertise. They use innovative technologies like Omni-Heat thermal reflection in their apparel.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Columbia operates stores globally. But most sales come through their user-friendly ecommerce site. Free shipping and returns makes online shopping easy.
Why Choose Columbia?
- Leading brand in outdoor apparel and footwear
- Innovative technology like Omni-Heat
- Waterproof and insulated jackets and boots
- Global outdoor brand founded in 1938
- Convenient online shopping with free delivery
8. CampSaver
CampSaver focuses on providing quality outdoor gear at the lowest prices compared to other stores similar to REI. They offer savings up to 70% off on thousands of products.
Their website features new deals every day and weekly flash sales. Their core customer are budget-conscious outdoor lovers. Find tents, packs, sleeping bags, hiking shoes, apparel, camping accessories and more.
All purchases over $49 get free standard shipping. Returns are accepted within one year too. Their website makes browsing and filtering a breeze.
Based in Utah, CampSaver has offered discounted gear since 2004. Special deals and sales run regularly, plus email subscribers get access to exclusive promo codes.
Why Choose CampSaver?
- Massive discounts on big outdoor brands
- Quality gear up to 70% off
- Free delivery and extended returns
- Special sales and email promo codes
- Discounted outdoor gear since 2004
9. Outdoorplay
Outdoorplay carries quality outdoor gear and apparel for skiing, climbing, hiking, camping and more. They have been in business since 1997 as an authorized internet retailer for top brands.
They offer free 2 day shipping on orders over $49 and free returns within 60 days. The website has new markdowns every week on select items. Their audience includes outdoor sports enthusiasts focused on quality gear.
Popular products categories are skiing, snowboarding, climbing, camping/hiking and apparel. Top selling items include ski equipment, outerwear, snowboards, tents and climbing gear.
Why Outdoorplay Stands Out:
- Massive range for all outdoor sports
- Top brands like Patagonia, The North Face
- Gearhead experts offer advice
- Convenient shipping and returns
- Custom subscription boxes
10. Kelty
Kelty is both an outdoor gear brand and retailer specializing in backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, camping furniture, and hiking gear. As a brand, they focus on high performance quality gear at a more affordable price point versus premium counterparts.
At Kelty’s online store, you can shop their full brand catalog along with some other leading names like Therm-a-Rest, Baffin, and more. Take advantage of their expertise in packs, tents, and camping gear.
Why Choose Kelty:
- Kelty’s own quality affordable gear
- Backpacks, tents & sleeping bags expertise
- More budget-friendly prices
- Limited but focused brand selection
- Educational camping resources
11. Steep & Cheap
Steep & Cheap is an online outlet for discounted outdoor gear and apparel from top brands. New deals are added every 30 minutes on clothing, gear, and footwear.
You can find quality merchandise like ski jackets, hiking boots, climbing equipment, sunglasses, tents, and packs. They feature limited time deals on quality products from top brands with inventory constantly changing.
Steep & Cheap offers up to 70% off retail prices. Shipping is a flat $5.95 on all orders. The frequently updated deals create a thrift-store-like treasure hunt.
Key Benefits:
- Top brand gear discounted up to 70% off
- New deals every 30 minutes
- Deep discounts on fast-selling items
- Flat-rate shipping for $5.95
12. Gear Coop
Gear Coop is an online outdoor store like REI featuring discounted prices on quality gear and apparel from leading brands. They offer deals on over 10,000 products across 35+ categories.
They provides free shipping and returns. Full refunds are offered within 60 days of purchase. Their Best Price Guarantee ensures you get the lowest price. Clearance products offer discounted prices on past seasons’ items while quantities last. The website has new daily deals as well as weekly spotlight sales. Their target audience is deal-focused outdoor enthusiasts.
Top departments include camping & hiking, skiing, sports & fitness, footwear and hunting & fishing. Best selling items can include tents, ski jackets, water bottles, hiking boots, headlamps and more.
Key Benefits:
- 700+ outdoor brands
- Competitive pricing on gear
- Free convenient shipping/returns
- Best Price Guarantee
13. SunnySports
SunnySports specializes in watersports equipment including swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. So this is a great place to shop specifically for your water recreation needs.
Besides watersport gear, SunnySports also sells apparel, footwear, and accessories to fully outfit your water adventures. They price match too and have the lowest price guarantee just as other stores like REI.
Why Choose SunnySports:
- Specialized in watersports gear
- Broad selection for all water activities
- Solid everyday prices & price matching
- Lowest price guarantee
- Free shipping over $49
Conclusion
Finding quality outdoor gear these days often starts with a search online. While REI remains a top destination for their expertise and expansive selection, more retailers are offering great alternatives both online and in stores.
The key is to shop around and find the right balance of price, product range, and service that suits your needs.
At the end of the day, the beauty of the internet is that we can easily discover and compare all these outdoor retailers from the comfort of home. Take the time to seek out the sites that offer what you need for how you like to play outside. Whether it’s dependable camping and hiking gear, performance outerwear on sale, or a full setup for your next fishing trip, there are plenty of alternatives to REI that can deliver quality outdoor gear for less.
FAQs about REI
What are REI’s shipping options?
REI offers free standard shipping on orders over $50. For orders under $50, shipping is $5.95. You can also choose premium 2-day, overnight, and same-day delivery for an added cost. In-store pickup is available as well.
Do REI purchases come with a warranty?
Yes, REI offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all purchases. This acts as a lifetime warranty to protect against defects and ensure you’re happy with the gear.
Does REI have sales or discounted prices?
REI runs special sales events throughout the year such as their Anniversary Sale and Labor Day Sale with discounts on outdoor gear. There are discounted prices on REI Outlet as well.
What brands does REI sell?
Some of the major outdoor brands REI carries include The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Merrell, Osprey, Hydro Flask, and KEEN. They have over 1000 brands in all.
Can you return items purchased from REI?
REI has one of the most generous return policies. You can return items for up to one year after purchase, even if used, for a full refund. Some exclusions apply for specialty-sized products.
Does REI offer price matching?
No, REI does not currently offer price matching. Their prices are set and they offer discounts through sales and outlets rather than matching competitor pricing.
How can I save money at REI?
Sign up for the REI Co-Op membership to get special offers and discounts year-round. Shop the REI Outlet deals and used gear for lower prices. Check for current promo codes online as well.
Does REI allow in-store pick up?
Yes, REI offers free in-store pickup at its retail locations. Order online and select in-store pickup during checkout. Your items will be ready within a few days to grab at your convenience.
